As soon as I can get number 7 steel in 16 gauge I will back you up. That's my only issue I love my old side by 16 for walking fields but I can't get shells. So I us a 12 gauge single because I like walking with the barrel broke for safety. It is heavier kicks harder and doesn't feel as nice in the hand. There is just something special about a 16
You can get shells . Just not much for 16 steel which not only forces you to use another gauge but limits upland in the future for those who do use a 16 . The argument about steel does have merit . Should they make all small game and upland switch , you're not only having to set the 16 off to the side in favor of something else , but unless you have bismuth , all the fixed choke favorites will be set aside also . And lets hope access to powder and components for reloading start picking up as well . And even the price of a box of 16 ga. #6 federal lead at CTC has climbed a lot since last fall . That was the only common 16 ga. load they carried . And I just happened to luck out on #7 lead thru word of mouth as one of their stores carried it. Wanted some for some pre season clay busting... but sit down .PRICE.... $27.99 + tax . Thank god for gift cards... knocked it down to a more realistic $15 something per . Tell you what ... since we seem to be a part of another fringe minority .. we should pm and swap emails and should either of us strike gold on steel or bismuth maybe we can share the wealth . In the meantime it's 12 and 20 for doves.
